ADVERTISEMENT

In modern times, reaching 30 years and older as a human being isn't that special. For comics, however, reaching 30 years, especially in modern times, is an amazing feat, for there are only just a handful of comics and cartoons that have survived that long. 60-year-old Mark Parisi has managed to achieve this rare milestone, but he's not stopping there, and the number keeps climbing: Mr. Parisi has been doing his "Off the Mark" cartoons ever since 1987, and the number is rounding up to 35 years now. That's more than half a solid lifetime of cartoons and comics. My bet is, he wouldn't be doing it if people didn't appreciate the comics as much as they did: it has reached thousands of newspapers and millions of hearts throughout the years, and been in tons of holiday cards. So without further ado, let's see how accurate the jokes are; I have a feeling that they're going to be a little bit "Off the Mark!" Enjoy!

If you want to check out the first part of his cartoon collection, you may see it here.

More info: Instagram | offthemark.com | patreon.com | Facebook

Look, I really don't know the secrets of his trade and why his cartoons are so appreciated, but I can give you a few educated guesses. Part of what makes them so attractive is their simplicity and the comedic efficiency expressed in just a single panel. The other important factor is the consistency of the style. If I prompted you to imagine a newspaper comic, you'd probably imagine something very similar to what Mark actually does. This "old school" (no offense, Mark) style is extremely recognizable.

#3

These Comics By A Legendary Cartoonist Might Make Your Day (New Pics)

mark_parisi_otm Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mad Dragon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I’ll take the heavy one by my head on my pillow, heavier one across my legs and heaviest against my back. Added bonus that these are warm weighted blankets.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu

Here's what he told in an interview in the previous post Bored Panda: "I've wanted to cartoon since I could hold a crayon. I was inspired by Charles Schulz and MAD Magazine, but it wasn't until Gary Larson came along that I realized the type of comics I should be doing. Now I'm inspired by everything that happens in life, from pets to pop culture to pandemics."

ADVERTISEMENT

This is what Mark told about the origins of the cartoon. "'Off the Mark' has been published since 1987, and started small in weekly papers. It's now nationwide in daily papers, as well as things like national greeting card lines. There are lots of Off the Mark cartoon compilation books at offthemark.com, and I also have a HarperCollins series of middle-grade chapter books called Marty Pants."

He's happy with the career he has had, but he's not at all complacent. "I've been lucky enough to have people like Paul Newman, 'Weird Al' Yankovic, and the Dixie Chicks use my cartoons in their projects. Right now I'm working on various projects from official Garbage Pail Kids sketch cards, to a middle-grade novel called The Truth About 5th Grade with Kim Tomsic. Keeps me busy and I think being busy is important right about now."

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

If you're an aspiring comic artist, and Mark's achievements seem daunting, Mr. Parisi has given some encouraging words of wisdom for you: "For a beginner, I would say cartoon because you love it, not because you expect to get rich. Do what resonates with you and you never know what can happen."

#10

These Comics By A Legendary Cartoonist Might Make Your Day (New Pics)

mark_parisi_otm Report

Add photo comments
POST
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Funny, I'm starting my first week of working from home next week. I have two cats and a very big sofa. I deceive my cats always as my demotivational cats. Whenever I feel like doing something they look at me radiating they consider me to be stupid to be getting of that comfy warm sofa with company...

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#13

These Comics By A Legendary Cartoonist Might Make Your Day (New Pics)

mark_parisi_otm Report

Add photo comments
POST
Sad Panda
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

At least you don’t have to bake cookies in a tree like those Keebler boys!

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
#16

These Comics By A Legendary Cartoonist Might Make Your Day (New Pics)

mark_parisi_otm Report

Add photo comments
POST
EEF🤓
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Aww bless. I always feel bad for them at halloween. It's that way here for us.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
#19

These Comics By A Legendary Cartoonist Might Make Your Day (New Pics)

mark_parisi_otm Report

Add photo comments
POST
T5n
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

What are they burning in the fire? One of them may already be a murderer.

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
#30

These Comics By A Legendary Cartoonist Might Make Your Day (New Pics)

mark_parisi_otm Report

Add photo comments
POST
#34

These Comics By A Legendary Cartoonist Might Make Your Day (New Pics)

mark_parisi_otm Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mad Dragon
Community Member
2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They’ll be back when Daylight Saving Time ends complaining of deja vu.

View more commentsArrow down menu
#36

These Comics By A Legendary Cartoonist Might Make Your Day (New Pics)

mark_parisi_otm Report

Add photo comments
POST
Mad Dragon
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

So they have to pick one to stay behind and drown? That’s harsh, Noah. Just let the furry critters on the boat.

View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#48

These Comics By A Legendary Cartoonist Might Make Your Day (New Pics)

mark_parisi_otm Report

Add photo comments
POST
Floof
Community Member
2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

is that the asparagus dude?? I haven't seen him in ages! (why I can't remember his name Lol)

View More Replies...
View more commentsArrow down menu
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda
#57

These Comics By A Legendary Cartoonist Might Make Your Day (New Pics)

mark_parisi_otm Report

Add photo comments
POST
ADVERTISEMENT
See Also on Bored Panda